Cleopatra. I know, by that same eye, there's some good news.
320What says the married woman? You may go:
Would she had never given you leave to come!
Let her not say 'tis I that keep you here:
I have no power upon you; hers you are.

Cleopatra. Why should I think you can be mine and true,
330Though you in swearing shake the throned gods,
Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
To be entangled with those mouth-made vows,
Which break themselves in swearing!

Cleopatra. Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going,
But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying,
Then was the time for words: no going then;
Eternity was in our lips and eyes,
Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor,
340But was a race of heaven: they are so still,
Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
Art turn'd the greatest liar.

Cleopatra. I would I had thy inches; thou shouldst know
345There were a heart in Egypt.

Antony. Hear me, queen:
The strong necessity of time commands
Our services awhile; but my full heart
Remains in use with you. Our Italy
350Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius
Makes his approaches to the port of Rome:
Equality of two domestic powers
Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength,
Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey,
355Rich in his father's honour, creeps apace,
Into the hearts of such as have not thrived
Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten;
And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge
By any desperate change: my more particular,
360And that which most with you should safe my going,
Is Fulvia's death.

Cleopatra. Though age from folly could not give me freedom,
It does from childishness: can Fulvia die?

Antony. She's dead, my queen:
365Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
The garboils she awaked; at the last, best:
See when and where she died.

Cleopatra. O most false love!
Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill
370With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
In Fulvia's death, how mine received shall be.

Antony. Quarrel no more, but be prepared to know
The purposes I bear; which are, or cease,
As you shall give the advice. By the fire
375That quickens Nilus' slime, I go from hence
Thy soldier, servant; making peace or war
As thou affect'st.

Cleopatra. So Fulvia told me.
385I prithee, turn aside and weep for her,
Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
Belong to Egypt: good now, play one scene
Of excellent dissembling; and let it look
Life perfect honour.
390

Cleopatra. Courteous lord, one word.
Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it:
400Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it;
That you know well: something it is I would,
O, my oblivion is a very Antony,
And I am all forgotten.

Antony. But that your royalty
405Holds idleness your subject, I should take you
For idleness itself.

Cleopatra. 'Tis sweating labour
To bear such idleness so near the heart
As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me;
410Since my becomings kill me, when they do not
Eye well to you: your honour calls you hence;
Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly.
And all the gods go with you! upon your sword
Sit laurel victory! and smooth success
415Be strew'd before your feet!